Tips for Managing Canine Incontinence
What dog owners need to be aware of when a dog is peeing inside the house
From the LifeMinute.TV Team
September 1, 2022
Coming off National Dog Day on August 26th, we have the scoop on how to care for our four-legged loved ones. In particular, how to address a common issue and what it may really mean when it comes to your dog’s health.
What do dog owners need to be aware of when a dog is peeing inside the house? Well there may be a medical reason, such as canine urinary incontinence, that can be treated with a once-daily medication. Canine urinary incontinence due to urethral sphincter hypotonus is a medical condition where the muscles that control urine flow don’t function properly, allowing urine to leak out when your dog is relaxed or sleeping.
One of the most common signs of the condition is a wet spot where your dog sleeps. Continuous urine leaking can also lead to red, irritated skin around the genitals or cause your dog to lick that area excessively. This is different from behavioral causes of indoor urination. If your dog is lifting a leg or squatting to pee or is dribbling urine when excited, the cause is more likely to be behavioral in nature.
It’s important to recognize that none of these peeing habits mean your dog is misbehaving or lacks training. Whether the cause of these “accidents” is medical or behavioral, a veterinarian can help you figure out the best way to manage it.
Any dog can experience incontinence, but it is most common in middle-aged and older spayed females. Midsize and large breeds are also more likely than small breeds to develop incontinence. You can talk to your veterinarian who may prescribe Proin ER, a once-a-day tablet that safely and effectively treats the issue.
Proin ER is FDA-approved and it’s flavored to be delicious to dogs, so giving it to your dog is easy.
If your veterinarian prescribes it, just watch for the most commonly reported side effects, which are vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, salivation and tiredness, vocalization, confusion, increased water consumption, weight loss, weakness, fever, panting, and reversible changes in skin color (flushing or bright pink.) It may elevate blood pressure and should be used with caution in dogs with conditions associated with high blood pressure.
Visit proin-er.com for more on canine urinary incontinence and talk to your veterinarian about any questions you have about your dog’s peeing habits and whether Proin ER is right for your dog.